Fioricet – Information, Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Drug trade name- Fioricet

Category- Analgesic

Generic name- acetaminophen, butalbital and caffeine

Introduction and quick information:

Fioricet is actually a combination of three drugs names are caffeine, butalbital and acetaminophen. All of these three drugs have their own advantages. Caffeine stimulates central nervous system to cope up with muscle contractions in blood vessels; Acetaminophen is used to get relief from pain and Butalbital treat muscles contractions responsible for a tension headache. It is also given to people suffering from migraine problems.   

Is it approved By FDA?     

Fioricet has been approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a drug for the treatment of a tension headache and migraines. FDA also instructed that this medication should be marketed only on prescription.

Usage and Benefits of Fioricet:

Fioricet is a drug of analgesic combinations and thus it is extensively used for the treatment of following problems:

• Tension headache due to muscle contraction
• Migraine Problem

This drug is a very strong pain reliever and is effective in case of relieving continuous and discomforting pain like in case of Migraine and tension headaches due to muscle contraction.There may be other uses of this drug other than those listed. So, if you need more information consult your doctor.

Fioricet Side Effects:

Every drug brings some side-effects along with it. Here are some side-effects of Fioricet:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Drunk feeling
• Difficulty breathing

The moment you encounter these side effects, just seek medical assistance as soon as possible. There are many more possible side-effects. It is better to consult your doctor in case you feel unwell after taking the medication.

Fioricet should be taken with caution if you are suffering from any of the below-mentioned diseases:-

• Liver disease
• Mental illness
• Kidney disease

In such cases, doctor’s advice is compulsory. If you are suffering from any other health hazard then also you should consult your doctor.

General recommended dosages of Fioricet:

Dosages recommended in doctor’s prescription are best for you because they are prescribed strictly according to your current medical condition. The dosage for a longer time or in larger amount can be harmful. If the dosage of Fioricet upsets your stomach then better take it with milk or food.

In case I miss the dose?

No need to freak out. Missed dose can be taken at the moment you remember about it and if it’s the time for next dose, skip the missed dose else you may experience side-effects of overdose.

In case I take overdose?

Immediately contact your family doctor and seek for instant medical attention as overdose can cause serious side-effects that involve headache, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, anxiety and many more.    

Drug Interactions of Fioricet:

All drugs have the tendency to react with other drugs taken along with them. This is because of their chemical nature. Here are some drug interactions of Fioricet:

• Trazodone
• Klonopin
• Tramadol
• Lexapro
• Sumatriptan
• Nexium
• Soma
• Prozac
• Lisinopril

You can simply consult your doctor whether other medications that you are taking with Fioricet will cause any harm to your health or not.

Lifestyle and food habits you must follow when on Fioricet:

A healthy lifestyle is always helpful in fighting against any kind of disease or odds you are suffering from. Avoid Fioricet if you are involved in situations that require you to be awake and alert as Fioricet can impair your thinking and reactions. Avoid alcohol consumption as it can damage to liver. Also use of any allergic pills, painkillers and caffeine pills are strictly prohibited.

How safe is Fioricet for pregnant women or Nursing Mothers?

Fioricet is categorized under FDA pregnancy category C by the FDA but its actual effect on an unborn baby is not yet reported. Thus, doctor’s advice is compulsory prior to the usage of this medication by a pregnant lady.

As far as nursing mothers are concerned, Fioricet contains caffeine that passes into the breast milk and can harm to the baby. So, nursing mothers should also consult their doctor before using this medication.   

Complications and Conditions possible due to prolonged use of Fioricet:

Prolonged use of fioricet is abusive and habit-forming because of its butalbital content that causes high level of addiction that can’t be treated easily. So, it is advised not to take this medication for longer than recommended time. If you wish to stop taking this medication in case you have completed your course, then go to your doctor, you need doctor’s advice.

Availability of Fioricet:

Fioricet is available on the doctor’s prescription only and it is not OTC (Over-The -Counter) drug.